Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Treatment
Our team at the Crohn’s and Colitis Center at Baton Rouge General are specially trained to treat patients suffering from Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Anyone can develop IBD, but it’s most commonly diagnosed before age 30, and is more likely if you have a close relative with the disease. We understand that living with a chronic condition like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis affects a lot more than just your physical health. These are lifelong, complex diseases that require constant attention and management, and we are here to help you.
Our multidisciplinary approach brings together the medical, nutritional, and psychological care you need under one roof to help:
- Map out a personalized care plan with measurable goals
- Provide strategies that help you regain a sense of control
- Improve your quality of life
Crohn’s and Colitis Center
From medical to nutritional care, we meet patient’s needs all in one place.
Testing and Diagnosis
Getting the proper diagnosis for (inflammatory bowel disease) IBD is important, but can be a long journey for many patients. You may have even hopped around from doctor to doctor trying to get to the bottom of your symptoms, like abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, bloody stool and an urgent need to go.
What we do know is that with IBD, there is persistent inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. While there is no single test to confirm an IBD diagnosis, you may need a combination of tests. After a thorough consultation about your symptoms, their severity and duration, any other medical issues, and a physical exam, the specialized team at the Crohn’s and Colitis Center at Baton Rouge General can guide you and recommend the appropriate diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your symptoms.
Tests We Provide
- Blood test
- Stool test
- Endoscopic procedures, including colonoscopy and upper endoscopy
- Biopsy
- Imaging tests, i.e., X-rays, CT or MRI scans
Treatment
Like other chronic conditions, IBD needs to be properly managed or you’re at risk for pretty serious complications ranging from dehydration and malnutrition to bowel obstruction and colon cancer. Based on your consultation and test(s), your doctor will first determine which type of IBD you have – Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis (UC). Crohn’s can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, whereas UC only affects the colon or rectum. Next, the team will create a treatment plan tailored to you.
Although treatment is not one-size-fits-all, the types of treatment available continues to expand, giving hope to patients. The goal in treatment is to improve your symptoms while also better controlling inflammation in the gut and healing any damage to the gastrointestinal tract. Many patients find success with a combination of medications. The Crohn’s and Colitis Center features a specialty pharmacy technician on the team to help with the often complex and time-consuming process of insurance approval for medications.
Medication Treatment Options
- Corticosteroids
- 5-Aminosalicyclic Acid Medications
- Immunomodulators
- Biologic Therapies
- Conjunctive medications, i.e. antibiotics, pain relievers, antispasmodic agents
For some patients with IBD, medications aren’t effective and there is serious damage to the digestive tract. In these cases, surgery may be an option. The Crohn’s and Colitis Center includes a colorectal surgeon who specializes in procedures to remove affected areas of the large or small intestine using the most advanced robotic technology to minimize incisions and recovery time, and preserve as much of the surrounding tissue and muscle as possible.
Become a Patient
If you have been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, call (225) 387-7077 to schedule an appointment at the Crohn’s and Colitis Center at Baton Rouge General.
IBD Support Group
Through the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, Baton Rouge General hosts a monthly IBD Support Group for those living with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Patients can connect with other IBD patients and share their stories.
Click here to learn more and register for the support group.